Mumbai hostage scare ends as police rescue 19 at Powai studio
Mumbai hostage scare ends as police rescue 19 at Powai studio
A self-proclaimed filmmaker held 19 people, including 17 children, hostage at a Powai studio. Police stormed the building, rescued everyone, and arrested the suspect amid claims of mental instability.
In Mumbai's Powai, a routine audition at RA Studio turned into a tense hostage situation when a man identified as Rohit Arya locked in 19 people—17 young aspiring actors, a senior citizen, and another adult.
The detainee released a video message demanding to speak to certain individuals and warning of arson and self-harm if his demands weren't heard. The distress call came in around 1:45 p.m., prompting rapid deployment of police, fire brigade, and ambulances to the area surrounding the Mahavir Classic building.
With the risk of chemical exposure and a volatile crowd inside, authorities decided to move in to prevent harm. Around 2:30 p.m., officers breached a bathroom grill and arrested Arya. Inside, they recovered an airgun and some unidentified chemical substances.
All 19 hostages were evacuated safely, including 17 children. There were no reported injuries. The police described Arya as mentally unstable and indicated the motive appeared to be work-related dues.
The incident prompted a swift emergency response from fire services and left the neighborhood on edge, but the outcome was a calm rescue rather than a confrontation. Investigations will continue to determine the full context and to review security measures at audition venues to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Residents and industry observers expressed relief at the resolution and called for continued vigilance and support services for individuals facing mental health crises, underscoring the importance of safety in spaces used for auditions and productions.
Cover image source: Over 20 children ‘held hostage’ in Mumbai’s Powai rescued, man arrested 🔗
